One of the software elements that helps with the security and safety of the computer is the Windows Firewall. Windows Firewall was first introduced in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. Initially, Windows Firewall was also named as Internet Connection Firewall. Windows Firewall keeps the system protected from hackers and intruders, enabling safe browsing on the internet.

With the help of Microsoft support for Vista computers, you will be able to make changes to the Firewall settings easily. According to which, making changes to the Firewall settings it is possible to balance protection and usability. Broadband users are exposed to potential threats because the system is connected to the internet continuously. Hence it is all the more easy to locate and attack computers connected to the internet that uses a broadband internet connection.

But you might want to connect with another computer in order to play games online or when you have the file sharing feature enabled. When you have the Firewall turned on in the computer, there might be certain restrictions in the activity that you are carrying out in the computer. The best thing about the Firewall settings is that you can set some exceptions in the settings. This will let you do what you want, which also ensures security. Follow these instructions in order to make changes to the Firewall settings in Windows Vista computer.

Instructions

Click on Start button to the lower left of the desktop. From the Start menu, choose Control Panel and then Security Center.

To the left side of the window that is open, you would find a link to Firewall settings, click on the same. Choose the Change Setting Click on Ok or Continue when the UAC pops up.

Now, highlight the Exceptions You would find a list of programs that are controlled by Windows Firewall. Ensure that the Tell Me When Windows Firewall Blocks A Program check box is checked. This will tell you that the Windows Firewall is responsible when something goes wrong with the program.

In order to add more programs, click on the Add Programs button and then select a program from the list. In case you do not find the program, you can browse and find it.

When you have selected the required programs in the exceptions list, from now on you can use these programs without any interruptions. With these Microsoft support for Vista instructions, you can change Firewall settings according to your preference.

Over the years, the method of payment has been changing. First people purchased goods by exchanging goods. Then people started using money to buy things. Later debit cards and credit cards were introduced, which made payments easier. People don’t have to carry cash with them all the time. And finally crypto currency is here. It is expected that the forthcoming year 2015 will be a year of crypto currency.

Crypto currency is a digital currency, in which money is generated with some unique encryption techniques. Now, this might sound like you will have the money safe and you can easily carry out payments as well. Bitcoin is one of those companies that have been rendering such services.

It looks like Microsoft is all saddled up to make payments through Bitcoin happen. But the final formal announcements are not made yet. It is too early to comment on this, but, yes, the software giant is planning to make some amendments in the way they receive their payments. With the help of this virtual currency, you will be able to purchase different apps from the Windows Phone Store, Microsoft Store and every store that is associated with Xbox.

When you look into the Microsoft support page, you will find a page that says ‘How do I use Bitcoin with my Microsoft account?’ this page explains the fact that you can use Bitcoin to add money to your Microsoft account. For now, this service is available for only for the customers based in the United States. Microsoft added that the service will be available for other customers as well.

In order to start using Bitcoin, it is necessary that you add the digital currency to your Microsoft account. You can redeem the digital currency as and when needed to make a purchase. While purchasing a product from Microsoft or paying for a service from Microsoft you can redeem Bitcoin digital currency from your Microsoft account and use it to pay for the same.

This is one of the biggest leaps that Microsoft might be taking, but it would take some time for wider acceptance. Since it is one of the best ways to make payments, people would definitely support this payment method very soon. It is too early comment on this; we need to wait for some more time as this is not put into practice in a large scale. Microsoft support page suggests that this will be one of the best steps taken by Microsoft to make paying for Microsoft products and services all the more easy.

Arguably one of the worst operating systems developed by the software maker, Windows Vista was unceremoniously sidelined by its much popular predecessor Windows XP. Windows XP, as we all know has been and will be the most familiar Microsoft OS in the history Operating Systems developed by the software maker. Windows Vista was the exact opposite in terms of the popularity level and quality of OS. There are too many issues with the OS, which ultimately irritated and annoyed users to switch to Windows XP. The problems were even in the basic features and functionalities.

With the end of Windows XP, now Microsoft is targeting Windows Vista as its next victim. This may not be shocking to many since there are not many Windows Vista users, but surely something to think of for the users. End of Microsoft support for Vista means there will be no security patches, feature updates and various other features provided by the software maker. Windows XP had an illustrious time at the top of the ratings and popularity chart. Unfortunately Windows Vista will have a sad demise unnoticed and uncared for.

Windows 7, one of the best and most popular Operating Systems in the software universe, can gain from the exit of Windows Vista. With the end of support for XP, most Windows XP users moved to Windows 7, rather than Windows Vista. That is understandable considering the issues the OS have. End of Microsoft support for Vista does not mean only the end of mainstream support, which will happen with Windows 7 next year. This is the end of support just like what happened with Windows XP.

It is best to move on to newer operating systems after or before the end of support. Latest operating systems such as Windows 8/8.1 offer some exciting features that are far more advanced. Even the OS experience is new and fast. If that is not the case, you can move to Windows 7, which is the popular OS at present. Windows 7 looks much similar to Windows Vista. What is better is that the problems have been resolved and the features are much better and enhanced. The OS load speed is better and much faster than Windows XP and Windows Vista.

Whatever may be your choice, it is best not to continue using an unsupported OS; this can result in security threats and various malware issues. It is wise to move on to newer operating systems.

Windows operating system designed and marketed by Microsoft is one of the most popular operating systems in the world. Sure, there are other alternatives, but none of these operating systems enjoy the same level of popularity Microsoft enjoys.

The Microsoft operating system is extremely successful because of the technical support Microsoft provides. Whether you use Windows OS for home, business or enterprise use, Microsoft provides technical support services at the touch of a button. If you come across any issue with your Microsoft powered computer, you can easily contact the toll-free service provided and get your computer fixed in no time.

If you are no longer running Windows mainstream-support editions, you can still get support services from third party support companies. There are several third-party software support services that will help you in troubleshooting any computer related issue. If you detect any issue with your Windows operating system, you can go to our Microsoft support page and receive further information.

The support services provided are not limited to issues with the operating system; they also include application software provided by Microsoft. Hence, if any of your Office suite programs, like Excel, PowerPoint, Word, or OneNote has any problem you would like to fix, you can contact the tech support services. Most business and enterprise users come across issues when running Microsoft Outlook. If you require any technical support with the email client application, you will be able to get the same by calling up the technical support executives.

The most common issues with Windows powered PCs include OS stability issues after recent update issued from Microsoft and Virus infections. The support services are capable of recovering all the data as well as removing any malicious software in even the worst circumstances. Other contemporary support services provided by our Microsoft support page include Xbox and Games Support, Windows Media Support, Cloud Services Support, Windows Phone Support, Security Essentials Support and many more.

As the old adage goes, “prevention is better than cure.” It holds true for computers as well since it is generally advisable to ensure no problems arise rather than handling them once you come across them. In order to do so, our tech support services have provided technical support blogs that detail how to use your computer in the most efficient manner.

Microsoft has announced that the next Windows 10 build dubbed Windows 10 build 9901 will be released on 21st January. According to sources privy to Microsoft’s Windows support desk, the upcoming build will carry a slew of new features that the previous builds missed. This includes the much anticipated Cortana feature as well. Take a look at some of the brand new features integrated with Windows 10 build 9901.

Cortana

Windows 10 build 9901has Cortana as the default feature. It stays as a search box close to the Start button. There are two methods to use this option; voice search and type search. If you wish to use the former option, select the mic button that you can see inside the search box and speak out what you wish to search. The type search option in Cortana can be used just like any other search option. If you find that the search box eats up too much screen space, you can make it appear just like a search button.

Xbox App

Leaked reports about the upcoming Windows 10 build 9901 indicate that Microsoft has integrated a brand new Xbox app with it. According to the reports, the Windows 10 version of the Xbox app will look quite similar to the Games app that you may be familiar with in your Windows Phone devices.In fact, the Xbox App for Windows 10 has borrowed a number of features from the Games app for Windows Phone. This includes chat with friends’ option, Xbox Live Profile, achievements and scores, Windows Live profile and activity feed.

In addition to the preloaded features, Windows 10 build 9901 allows users to improve the existing features by adding extra features like OneDrive backup. For instance, in Windows 10 build 9901, there is a much-advanced option for synchronizing OneDrive backup. Users are allowed to set OneDrive as the backup option from their PC settings. This offers better PC backup options.

Windows support page had highlighted the ability to use icons as one of the unique Windows 10 features. However, this feature was in a latent stage in the previous builds. In Windows 10 build 9901 however, it is announced that the icons and User Interface get some remarkable improvements.

In addition to the above discussed features, Microsoft has integrated a number of other features like better Windows Update service, app integration etc with the upcoming build.

We all know now that the old Windows XP operating system has been removed from the list of products that are offered official Microsoft Windows support. Though the operating system software has outlived most operating systems developed by the software maker, its death meant that millions of Windows XP users would not be receiving any kind of official support from the world’s leading software manufacturer Microsoft. Microsoft was at its wit’s end with Windows XP, because the company had to extend the end of support dates many times for Windows XP, due to pressure from users and the overwhelming number of requests from many SMBs and Windows XP users across the globe. However, this time it’s real, and there will be no more extensions to the official end of support, Windows XP is actually dead.

The death of Windows XP means users will not be receiving official security updates, feature updates, or security patches, either paid or free. Millions of Windows XP users would have to migrate to newer systems if they want to enjoy the support provided by the software company. Lack of security updates means the Operating System is extremely unsafe for use. Even before the end of Windows support for XP, XP computers were the target of many attacks from hackers, malicious codes, malware and many other things that can potentially harm the system.

Before you decide to move on to newer Windows operating systems, something important has happened, which you should be taking into consideration. Rumor is that users can now avail the Windows XP Security Updates until April 2019! This looks contradictory to the statements made before regarding the end of official Windows XP support. Actually, this is a hack, which is not approved by the software maker. But, this tweak is useful in providing the users with what they were seeking. This is not official Windows XP support from Microsoft, but just a redirection of security patches from the Embedded OS edition of Windows XP.

Instructions

First, users require making a plain text document, and adding the following information,

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\WPA\PosReady]

“Installed”=dword:00000001

Then, users need to save the above text file as xp.reg

Next, Windows users need to double-click on this newly-created text file (registry file), and you will see that the contents are added to the registry.

Once completed, you will continue to receive Windows XP security patches until April 2019.

One of the main Windows 8 problems was that Microsoft did not design a separate version for the desktop users. The desktop users got the same OS designed for tablets and smartphones with a few extra features like the Desktop mode. This is why you will not find a Shutdown option in the main screen, because such an option is not available in your smartphone OS either.

Locating the Shutdown option in Windows 8 OS

We normally use the Power button for turning down the smartphone or the tablet. Microsoft expects you to do the same in Windows 8 as well. So, pressing down the Power button on your desktop PC or laptop is the easiest way to do it. But, if you want to locate the Shutdown option in Windows 8, you will have to go through three or four steps.

Annoyingly, Microsoft has hidden away most of such useful OS settings and options in Windows 8 for the sake of providing a minimalist user interface suitable for the small screen devices like smartphones and tablets. But, in a desktop PC, where there is plenty of screen space, this just becomes one of the Windows 8 problems.

If you want to access the OS options for shutting down the PC, you need to first go to the Charms bar. Just swipe the mouse cursor towards the right edge of the screen and the Charms bar will show up on the main screen. Now, click on the Settings option shown in the Charms bar. This will take you to the Settings options menu.

There, click on the Power option. This will launch another submenu for the Power options. There, you will find the different OS Power options like Shutdown, Restart, Sleep, etc. Click on the Shutdown option you see there to shutdown the system.

Another easy option is to use the old Alt + F4 key combination. This is the shortcut key for launching the OS Power options in all Windows versions including Windows 8. Another option is to create a shortcut for the Shutdown option you accessed from the Charms bar and save it in the main screen.

Of course, Microsoft has realised this inconvenience to the users and made the necessary changes in Windows 8.1. So, if you upgrade to Windows 8.1, you will get the Taskbar, the Start button and a reduced form of the Start Menu in the OS. Also, the full Start Menu will be making a return in the next Windows OS – Windows 10.

Windows 7 is still the most widely used desktop operating system in the world, even after Microsoft released two new OS versions, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. But, the Windows support service available to the OS has reached its halfway mark. The Mainstream support will come to an end soon, but the Extended support will be available for five years more.

Try these Windows 7 OS tips

Therefore, Windows 7 is likely to stay popular for a few years more. During the Extended OS support period, you might be asked to pay for some of the Windows support services you used to receive for free during the Mainstream support period. But, this might be needed only on rare occasions. You can use some of the in-built tools and features in the OS to take care of most of the issues. There are also a few tricks that you can use to make the OS easier to use.

Activate the ‘God Mode’ in Windows 7

One such trick is the so-called God Mode. This is the Windows Master Control Panel shortcut, where you can access all the options and settings in the OS at one location. To enable it, all you have to do is to create a new folder in the OS and give it any name with the following extension ‘.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}‘. Once you have created such a folder, you will find about 270 items in it providing links to the different settings and options available in the OS.

For completely erasing the data

Not many users know the fact that the data they recently deleted can be restored using powerful data recovery tools. Even after permanently deleting the file, it is still possible to do so until you overwrite that space in the hard drive with some new data. For security reasons, you might want to remove even the last traces of the deleted data. If so, you need to execute the following command from the Windows 7 Command Prompt: cipher /w:driveletter:\foldername.

This will prompt the OS to overwrite the data stored. If the folder is of large size, then the overwriting process is bound to take some time. But, this is the best way to ensure that no one will be able to recover the data you just deleted from the system.

There are many such useful tips and shortcut keys available in all Windows OS versions. Using such shortcuts helps you save a lot of time while using the different features and settings in the OS.

As long as you are concerned about getting issues with your Microsoft products fixed, the right service that can provide you with the best troubleshooting is Microsoft support desk itself. However, a lot of people think that seeking support from Microsoft support desk is expensive. If the Microsoft product in question is covered by mainstream support, you are eligible for free tech support from the Microsoft support desk. In case you are out of the mainstream support frame, you are still eligible to seek support from Microsoft support desk although a fixed amount will be charged from you as service charge.

Things needed to avail free support from Microsoft support desk

In order to avail free support from Microsoft support desk, you will need to ensure that you have a valid license key for your product. The technicians at Microsoft support desk would request you to produce the license key at the time of seeking support. This is to verify that you are a genuine customer. Furthermore, the license key will help the Microsoft technicians to check whether the customer is using a cracked/pirated Microsoft product.

Help through Microsoft support page

If you are not willing to spend time on contacting the Microsoft support desk for one or the other reasons, you can get free troubleshooting steps from Microsoft support page for the specific computer problem you are facing. The support page has different sections, each dealing with a particular product and issues that are affecting it.

By visiting Microsoft’s help page, you can easily find solutions for any specific issue. For instance, imagine that you are not able to use your Microsoft Outlook application. Every time you try to open the application, some error messages pop up. All that you need to do in such a situation or similar situation is to note down the error message on a piece of paper.

Now, go to the Microsoft support site and navigate to the MS Outlook section. Enter the error message you got when you opened the Outlook application and click the Search button. It will fetch a few links that will lead you to the page containing the troubleshooting steps. Click on the most appropriate link and you will get the right troubleshooting steps to fix the issue.

Microsoft offers the best technical support for each of its products. Get familiar with different Microsoft support options so that you don’t have to struggle when an unexpected problem occurs.

Microsoft has finally patched a critical Windows security vulnerability that went un-noticed for nearly two decades! This security bug is present in all versions of Windows Operating System since Windows 95. Moreover, the security loophole would allow malicious users to run remote codes in the target computer when the target visits a malicious website. The bug has been identified in Internet Explorer and was discovered by an IBM researcher.

IBM employee Robert Freeman described the security vulnerability as “rare, ‘unicorn-like’ bug found in code that IE relies on but doesn’t necessarily belong to.” He detailed the vulnerability lies in the VBScript that was first introduced in Internet Explorer 3. The feature has been present in all future versions of Internet Explorer, which means all the web browsers ever since Internet Explorer were infected. Contact our Microsoft Support for Vista in order to know more about the same.

What makes the bug rare and interesting at the same time is the fact that the bug is impervious to Microsoft’s anti-exploitation tools. The Toolkit, named as Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit, will not discover this. Even more surprising is that the Sandboxing features in Internet Explorer 11 have also not been able to identify this bug.

However, on a better note, there are no traces of the issue anymore. Even better news is that no malicious hackers have ever used this vulnerability, or there is no clear evidence of this loophole being used. The use of this loophole would be technically tricky anyway. IBM, the discoverer of the issue, had released information about the issue back in May and has not publically announced that this security issue does not exist anymore.

Microsoft, after updating a security patch meant to solve this issue, has made it available for all versions of Windows after Windows Vista and higher. Since Windows XP users will not be getting this update, users have been advised to upgrade immediately in order to avoid the security issue.

The discovery of the recent bug has brought into light that it is possible for security vulnerabilities to skip radars for years on end, that too vulnerability that involves arbitrary data manipulation. Except for shedding light on the incapability of the security software, it also indicates that several other vulnerabilities can exist, which affect all Windows based computers alike.

This time, the right authorities caught the vulnerability before some malicious user. The next time, Windows users may not be so lucky. If you need further clarification on how to upgrade your Windows Vista computer, you can contact our Microsoft support for Vista department.

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